Jun 21, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Former Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Cole Hamels looks on before the game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports
PHLY's Jim Salisbury wrote Monday ($) that Cole Hamels joined the Phillies' contingent of executives in Dallas this week for the MLB winter meetings. Salisbury reports that Hamels, who lives in the Dallas area, will be with the Phils in spring training as a special instructor. He'll also do some part-time work with the team's television broadcast during the 2025 season.
[Readers should insert their own fifth-starter jokes here.]
© Kyle Ross | 2024 Jun 21The Phillies, who always do fantastic work keeping alumni in the fold, held an official retirement ceremony for Hamels back in June.
Can't get enough of Cole Hamels' retirement ceremony ♥ pic.twitter.com/v8RpVXZ0L1
Exactly how much fans will see of the 2008 World Series MVP remains unclear. But his presence with the team is welcome news.
Hamels could help Andrew Painter, the most-hyped Phillies pitching prospect since Hamels himself, navigate a transition to the majors. By all indications, the former ace is a natural fit as a broadcaster. And it certainly never hurts the ballpark atmosphere to have a world champion hanging around.
With some luck, Hollywood Hamels may even help bridge the gap from one Phillies championship team to another.
(We can dream.)
